Life Changing Books

                Books can change a life when the Holy Spirit breathes through the printed word with revelation of its truths. This list of books reflects the resources from which I experienced revelation poignant to my Christian walk. I’ve undoubtedly overlooked some, and more remain unread. I will update as other books come to mind. Please share books that have changed your life and I will include them as well.

Mary Kirkpatrick’s Favorite Book List

Divine Romance by Gene Edwards

                Ah, The Divine Romance! It’s a deeply poetic and imaginative work where Gene Edwards masterfully captures the grand narrative of God’s love for humanity. The book transports readers into an eternal perspective, beginning even before creation. Edwards invites readers to see the story of God’s longing for fellowship and His ultimate pursuit of humanity, culminating in Christ’s love and sacrifice.

 

Footprints of a Pilgrim by Ruth Bell Graham

                The Footprints of a Pilgrim is a heartfelt and deeply personal collection of poetry, essays, and reflections that offers a glimpse into her journey of faith, love, and life. Ruth’s unique voice shines through as she shares her struggles, joys, and devotion to God, family, and ministry.

 

Good Morning Holy Spirit by Benny Hinn

                Good Morning, Holy Spirit is a powerful and personal testimony of his journey into a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit. The book emphasizes the Holy Spirit’s role in guiding, empowering, and comforting believers, while also explaining how to cultivate a close connection with Him. Through this book I started talking directly with the Holy Spirit when I was in my twenties. I have never lost this awe filled relationship.

 

Holiness Truth and the Presence of God by Francis Frangipane

                Holiness, Truth, and the Presence of God is a profound exploration of the call to pursue holiness and intimacy with God. In this book, Frangipane emphasizes that true holiness isn't about legalism or striving in our own strength but about allowing the presence of God to transform us from the inside out. He intertwines themes of humility, repentance, and truth, showing how they open the door to deeper communion with God.

 

In Christ Image Training Levels 1 and 2 by Francis Frangipane

                Ah, that's a powerful resource! In Christ’s Image Training (ICIT) Levels 1 and 2 are all about cultivating Christlike character through humility, prayer, and transformation. It emphasizes the importance of seeking intimacy with God, being conformed to His image, and living a life of grace and spiritual authority.

 

God So Close by Becky Thompson

                God So Close is a heartfelt and relatable guide to understanding and experiencing the Holy Spirit in a personal and practical way. Thompson’s approachable writing style invites readers into a deeper awareness of the Holy Spirit’s presence in everyday life, removing the fear or mystery that often surrounds this topic. For me, Becky’s narrative was like a marriage retreat with the Holy Spirit.

 

I Am a Son by Don Nori Sr.

                I Am a Son is a profound exploration of identity and intimacy with God, focusing on what it truly means to live as a child of God. The book calls readers to step beyond mere religion and into a deep, personal relationship with the Father, where they embrace their identity as sons and daughters in His kingdom.

 

Intimacy with the Almighty by Charles Swindoll

                Intimacy with the Almighty is a concise yet deeply impactful book that invites readers to cultivate a closer relationship with God. Swindoll shares practical insights and heartfelt reflections on how to overcome distractions, simplify life, and make space for genuine intimacy with the Creator.

 

Jesus Always by Sarah Young

                Jesus Always is a devotional centered on finding joy in God’s presence, even in the midst of life’s challenges. Written as though Jesus Himself is speaking directly to the reader, the book offers daily encouragement, hope, and reminders of His unfailing love.

 

Jesus Calling by Sarah Young

                Jesus Calling is a beloved 365-day devotional that invites readers into daily moments of peace, hope, and encouragement with God. Written in a first-person perspective as if Jesus is speaking directly to the reader, the devotional draws inspiration from Sarah Young's personal prayer journals and her deep connection with Scripture. Each entry is designed to help readers experience God’s presence and find comfort, guidance, and strength in their everyday lives.

 

Limitless Love by Kenneth and Gloria Copeland

                Limitless Love by is a daily devotional that focuses on living a life grounded in God’s unconditional love. Through 365 inspiring entries, the Copelands unpack the transformative power of God’s love and how it can impact every area of life—from relationships to faith and beyond.

 

My Other Self by Clarence J. Enzler

                My Other Self is a deeply spiritual book written in the form of a dialogue between Christ and the reader. Modeled after Thomas à Kempis’s The Imitation of Christ, the book invites readers to a personal and intimate conversation with Jesus as He calls them to deeper discipleship. I found this treasure on my mother's bookshelf, so it is a double blessing to me.

 

Prayers That Avail Much by Germaine Copeland

                Prayers That Avail Much is a timeless collection of powerful, scripture-based prayers designed to equip believers to pray effectively for every area of life. Drawing directly from the Word of God, the prayers are structured to align with His promises, helping readers grow in faith and confidence as they intercede for themselves, their loved ones, and the world.

 

Secret of the Most Holy Place by Don Nori

                Secret of the Most Holy Place is a profound and deeply spiritual book that invites readers to journey into the intimate presence of God. Nori explores the mystery and beauty of living in the "most holy place," the sacred space of communion and oneness with the Father. He emphasizes that this is not a physical location but a way of life marked by surrender, humility, and abiding in God’s love.

 

The Ascent of the Mountain of God by Edward Hays

                The Ascent of the Mountain of God is a reflective and engaging guide to the spiritual journey of Lent. Presented as a "travel journal," the book invites readers to embark on a 40-day pilgrimage toward greater intimacy with God. Hays weaves scripture, prayer, and creative reflections to inspire self-discovery and transformation, encouraging readers to move beyond routine observances of Lent into a deeper encounter with God’s presence.

 

The Attributes of God (1&2) A.W. Tozer

                The Attributes of God, Volumes 1 & 2 are both a profound exploration of the nature and character of God. In these two volumes, Tozer delves into the attributes that define God’s essence, such as His omnipotence, omniscience, holiness, goodness, and love, among others. Each attribute is discussed with deep reverence and clarity, calling readers to a higher view of God and a deeper relationship with Him. Tozer’s writing is both theological and devotional, challenging readers to not just understand these truths intellectually but to let them transform their worship and daily lives.

 

The Blessing of the Lord by Kenneth Copeland

                The Blessing of the Lord is a powerful exploration of God’s desire to bless His people and how believers can walk in that blessing every day. Rooted in scripture, the book unpacks the biblical concept of “The Blessing”—God’s covenant promise to provide, protect, and prosper His children—and how it has been made available to all through Christ.

 

The Love Dare by Stephen Kendrick and Alex Kendrick

                The Love Dare is a 40-day journey designed to strengthen and transform marriages by challenging couples to practice unconditional love. Rooted in biblical principles, the book provides daily readings, practical actions, and reflective prompts that help readers demonstrate Christlike love to their spouse, even in difficult circumstances. Originally featured in the movie Fireproof, the book has become a trusted resource for rekindling love, improving communication, and building lasting relationships. I have this devotional improves all my relationships.

 

The Mitford Series by Jan Karon

                The Mitford Series is a heartwarming collection of novels set in the charming small town of Mitford, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The series follows the life of Father Tim Kavanagh, a gentle and endearing Episcopal priest, as he navigates the joys, challenges, and quirks of small-town life while serving his community with faith and kindness. With its rich cast of memorable characters, Karon teaches the gifts of wholesome humor, while explaining the themes of love, faith, and friendship. This series captures the beauty of everyday moments and the transformative power of grace.

 

The Prisoner in the Third Cell by Gene Edwards

                The Prisoner in the Third Cell is a poignant and thought-provoking book that delves into the story of John the Baptist, focusing on his imprisonment and the struggles he faced with doubt and unanswered prayers. Edwards masterfully examines what it means to trust God when His ways seem mysterious or when life takes unexpected and painful turns. Through John's story, the book explores deep questions about God's sovereignty, faithfulness, and the purpose of suffering.

 

The Three Battlegrounds by Francis Frangipane

                The Three Battlegrounds is a powerful and insightful book that examines the spiritual battles every believer faces. Frangipane identifies three key areas of spiritual warfare: the mind, the church, and the heavenly places. He offers biblical wisdom and practical strategies to help believers overcome deception, maintain unity in the body of Christ, and stand firm against the enemy's schemes.

 

Who Told You That You Were Naked by John Jacob Raub

                Who Told You That You Were Naked? is a deeply reflective and spiritually provocative book that explores the concept of shame and its impact on human life. Drawing from the question God asked Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, Raub delves into the origins of shame, guilt, and fear, and how they distance people from God and one another. The book emphasizes the healing power of God’s unconditional love and how embracing His grace can free believers from the burdens of self-judgment and condemnation.